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Starhub-Linksys next gen WIFI-6 MX4200 Mesh Router

Gadgets

Shaun

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Wednesday, March 3, 2021

StarHub and Linksys are proud to present their Smart WiFi Pro router via a partnership. It uses Linksys line of Velop MX4200 Mesh Router, offering next-generation home networking via Linksys WiFi 6 and seamless home-mesh technology.

Linksys MX4200 Mesh Router

On the hardware front this is done through Linksys new Velop MX4200 WiFi 6 Mesh System router. It is a first in Singapore. You might also know it in StarHub’s lingo as the Smart WiFi Pro Router. After all, this device is the brainchild of an exclusive offer by both Starhub and Linksys in Singapore, offering best of two worlds for an unrivaled home broadband experience. Thanks to Linksys SG and Starhub, I was able to check out the MX4200 in the flesh and its real world performance.

Moreover, the router combines Mesh networking and next-generation WiFi 6 technology for coverage, low latency and speed. This is courtesy of Tri-Band radios providing up to 4.2 Gbps of throughput on 802.11ax. The bands in question here range from the 2.4Ghz band (0.6Gbps) up to the 5Ghz band (up to 1.2 Gbps and 2.4Gbps).

The rear IO of the MX4200 Mesh Router, discreetly tucked at the rear back of the device.

The MX4200 is a sexy but discreet beast. It is a sleek white router covered in matte plastic which won’t look out of place in your modern living room. It looks good on a bookshelf or on a TV console without drawing too much attention to itself. Additionally, it comes packed with a 4 gigabit ports tucked in the rear bottom with three dedicated to LAN and one Gigabit WAN port. There is also a USB port for external peripherals and an external power brick.

The MX4200 is a sexy but discreet beast. It is a sleek white router covered in matte plastic which won’t look out of place in your modern living room.

2.4Gbps wireless with WIFI-6 Certified

Moreover, the MX4200 router is Wi-Fi Certified 6. It employs the newest generation WiFi technology and security standards set by the Wi-Fi Alliance. The WiFi 6 certification touts to ensure increased capacity, device battery life and network safety for customers and their devices.

Furthermore, the flexible and scalable nature of Linksys WiFi Linksys Intelligent Mesh allows you to expand or “Future-Ready” your home network as your needs grow. This can be done with a simple addition of any compatible Linksys mesh node/router.

Fuelling this throughput is one courtesy of the MX4200 Qualcomm Networking Pro 800 platform. It is a 64-bit 1.4 GHz Quad-Core Processor. Also, it offers 8 streams of tri-band WiFi 6 connectivity. Notably, this is a massive leg up from Starhub’s Linksys EA8100-AH Max-Stream AC2600 MU-MIMO free bundled router.

Fast and gaming-optimised

Also, the Linksys MX4200 operates on the WiFi 6 standard using Linksys Intelligent Mesh technology. This delivers gigabit-level WiFi speeds for users to enjoy faster streaming and downloading across multiple devices. Notably, it is up to four times the speed and capacity as compared to the previous WiFi 5 standard.

Additionally, Linksys showcased this bandwidth prioritization feature. Average gaming latency drop from 42 to about 20 with the feature turned on. This allows gamers to take advantage of its ultra-low latency features. Benefits includes lower ping time, resulting in better online gaming performance, video calls and meetings, or even 8K resolution video streaming.

Tri-band dynamic mesh backhaul

Additionally, the MX4200 utilises a dynamic backhaul for its wireless mesh system. This removes the band number limit seen on routers with dedicated backhaul. This allows you to access to all 3 wireless bands throughout your home by automatically choosing the best band to connect between nodes.

Pricing and availability

As this is an exclusive tie up, the MX4200 router is available at StarHub Shops and Platinum Shops. Exclusive inclusions are the MX4200 mesh and gaming prioritization features, and a 2-year router warranty. For customers signing up or renewing their StarHub 2Gbps Fibre Broadband plans, these are bundled free at no extra cost.

Additionally, Starhub customers on 500Mbps or 1Gbps home fiber plans can do a cash-and-carry purchase. You can get the new MX4200 at a discounted $288 price ($399.00 retail price) with Starhub’s 12 or 24 month broadband contracts. Also, to sweeten the deal, new Starhub fiber subscribers will get 12 months of Disney+ included for all plans.

All in all, the Linksys MX4200, paired with a StarHub Fibre Broadband plan is an ideal home broadband solution for households. Particularly in our current digital connected age to manage increasing wireless needs between smartphones, tablets, and other devices needed for work-from-home and home-based learning. It is an enabler for all-things Smart Nation.

Pizza hut prosperity blossom meal bubble tea mala pizzas

Fusion

Shaun

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Sunday, February 28, 2021

0

Pizza hut prosperity blossom meal bubble tea mala pizzas

As part of the Chinese new year celebrations, Pizza hut had released what they call the Pizza hut Prosperity blossom meal. Notably, for a limited time, their menu offers three rather unconventional looking blossom shaped pizzas. Lets check it out with a dine-in today!

Contrary to the regular circular pan pizza. What is on offer is their Boba blossom pizza (bubble tea pearls), Mala pizza and Hawaiian blossom. Your blossom pizzas are not served on pans but rather on a plate platter instead. You can tell that the pizzas are made and topped by hand, but put into the oven on a flat base instead of a regular pan. This allows the pizza edge to retain their flower blossom petal shape which is the mainstay of this pizza range.

Bubble tea pearls pizza anyone?

First of the three variants of the blossom pizza. One is named the bubble tea pizza and the other the Mala pizza. You can order them al la carte or as a set meal as in my order. Here, both blossom pizzas served with Mala wings, two sides and two drinks for under $50.

Pizzahut prosperity blossom bubble tea pizza.

Moreover, the Bubble tea pizza is one topped with marshmallows and cooked bubble tea pearls. If warm pearls is not really the most appetizing either. Also, you could tell their that pearls and marshmallows are added onto the pizza after coming out of the oven. Still most of the marshmallows were already melted and stuck onto the surface of the pizza, which is not the most pleasing to see either.

The boba pizza with brown sugar milk tea sauce. Melted pearls and marshmallows anyone?

Additionally, the bubble tea pizza toppings at first impressions is not a great pizza, but that was made up with the remainder of the pizza. The crust is firm, crispy and infused with what you expect as a flavoury crust of mozzarella cheese. It does take the dullness out of the center core of the pizza.

The Pizza hut prosperity blossom bubble tea pizza has loads of nice mozzarella cheese — The bubble tea pizza has loads of nice mozzarella cheese.

Also, the pizza base is also packed with melted cheese which strings which you pull away the slices. It is quite a joyful package as a whole which is not too bad after all. If the mashmallows and pearls were added, say later and less melted, the pizza would be perfect. Furthermore, I would position the bubble tea pizza tad more like a dessert pizza. It is sweet and similar to the “Nutella pizza” we tried on our visit to John’s pizza on my previous food adventures.

Mala pizza

Moreover, their mala pizza has more of a conventional take and is more “pizza-like”. You get a pizza loaded with large generous juicy chicken chunks in the center of the pizza. Tad like a mala chicken pizza. Also, the pizza similar has the same crunchy stuffed-crust cheese we enjoyed on the bubble tea pizza.

The mala pizza is actually greater than what I expected it to be. It is topped with large juicy chicken chunks over a bed of lightly seasoned authentic tasting mala. Pizza hut claims this this their in-house mala sauce, with a spiciness level of your choosing.

The Pizza hut prosperity blossom mala pizza made using Pizza hut's in-house mala sauce, with a spiciness level of your choosing — The mala pizza made using Pizza hut’s in-house mala sauce, with a spiciness level of your choosing.

Also, I find this pizza more wholesome too for a meal staple. It is heavier and packed with more toppings equivalent of a regular sized pan pizza. Additionally, you have a choice of the spiciness of the mala in your pizza. I would recommend to go for the mild option. Is topped with red flakes on the edges of the pizza.

The last of Pizza hut prosperity blossom pizza is the Hawaiian , I won’;t be covering it as it is not too different from your regular Hawaiian favorite, only it is shaped in with the blossom edges.

Mala everything

In addition, wrapping up the mala offerings are mala chicken wings. It is the spiciest offerings of the bunch, tad like buffalo wings and peppered with chilli powder. It does provide quite a kick.

The spread

Mala wings

Mala fries

All in all, Pizza hut’s blossom pizza. I can guess that this pizza is mainly sold during the Chinese new year period, though pizza hut did not really explicitly state so besides the “prosperity meal” theme. If so, these blossom pizzas are definitely worth an adventurous try.

The great 2021 chip shortage

Computers

Shaun

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Saturday, February 27, 2021

0

The current great 2021 chip shortage is something one noteworthy as one worth taking mention. It had affected both consumers and business alike. Let’s take alook at it in Singapore and how it came to be.

This semiconductor chip short supply, or rather, a sudden shortage is a demand issue. This chip demand rush is fueled by the semiconductor industry being unable to meet demand. This is due to increased remote work, and working from home due to Covid-19 the past year.

A global issue

Notably, most of chip production in the world limited to those by TSMC Taiwan, Hynix and Samsung. These are typically the big boys in the semiconductor manufacturing industry, even supplying chips for 5G devices. Hence, the shortage of NAND has resulted in skyrocketing of RAM prices, going up by an average of 30%. This exacerbated with the recent Bitcoin bullrun. This pushed gold diggers (bitcoin miners) rushing to purchase already rare Graphic processing units (GPUS).

GPU shortage in Singapore

Additionally, this GPUs shortage is echoed with online stores such as Newegg and Amazon, all sold out with minutes of coming in-stock. In Singapore’s premiere IT component mall, similar to the Syntrend Creative Park mall we previously visited in Taiwan, the scene is unreal. In addition, you can find stores with rows of empty shelves behind the sales counter, typically packed full with GPUs.

The stores in Singapore Sim Lim square today (Feb 2021) are affected by the great 2021 chip shortage. Most shops having no GPU stocks to build systems.

Moreover, it is interesting to note that you can’t actually build a complete modern computer system in Simlim today at most stores with this GPU shortage. Most stores resort to selling a GPU only bundled with a main board. Notably, on my visits, the only fastest GPU you could get is a GTX 1660. There are no RTX 3000 or even RTX 2000 series GPUS around, or one selling close to anywhere close to recommended retail prices either, ebay scalpers aside.

Moreover, GPU maker NVIDIA recent push for a mining-exclusive line of “CMU” GPUs wasn’t well-received either. The technology community saw it as a means for the NVIDIA to cash-in on the crytop mining craze under the guise of gamer’s interest. This CMU range only serve to competes for the already limited supply of GPU chips from legitimate gamers.

Hitting the automotive industry hard

Additionally, Carmakers have been hit hard by this global chip shortage. Production in car factories in by Volkswagen for example in Europe, China and North America, including Audi had furloughed 10,000 workers from this chip shortage. This chip dependence is due to cars getting smarter. Nowadays, digital dashboards and infotainment are increasingly common, dependent on semiconductors as part of their production material.

Furthermore, the chip situation is so bad that in the US, President Biden announced plans to tackle the chip shortage by injecting up to $37 billion into the industry and prioritizing production. Additionally, Beijing announced that they would be announcing strategies to build up semiconductor self-sufficiency in their country’s 5-year plan.

All in all, though many expect the great 2021 chip shortage to last till at least to the middle this year, this chip shortage is probably one of the many to come in the future. I do hope the supply situation to get better with these government boosts in place. For us consumers, it is pretty much a waiting game as the market eventually sort itself out in time to come. Patience is virtue.

Don Don Donki JEM store

Places

Shaun

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Wednesday, February 24, 2021

0

Today let’s check out Don Don Donki at Jurong East JEM. Notably, this is one of the eight branches which opened up in Singapore on the brand. This is one of their branches in the West. Like with our exploration posts, let’s take a look with a walkthrough.

Lets check out the invasion of Donki, with this one at Don Don Donki JEM.

In a nutshell, the establishment, like the 100am mall variant spans over 2 floors in a regular shopping mall layout in JEM mall. Furthermore, greeting you at the entrance of the market is the establishment supermarket sector.

As with every Don Don Donki, it is full of foodstuff.

Also, the layout and selections here are largely shaped by the market demands. Here, you see fresh fruits and vegetables sitting in baskets and chiller fridges. This is followed by rows of open-air chillers housing sliced beef and seafood, like Alaskan crab and salmon for instance.

Sliced beef

Seafood

More seafood!

Moreover, the main goods and entrance starts on the ground floor where most of the goods reside. Here you can predominantly find a supermarket food section which is Don Don Donki’s main selling draw. This floor is connected to an upper floor with a foodcourt like the one we saw at their Clark Quay Central and City Square branch, with additional foodstuff. It is accessible via escalators.

Don Don Donki JEM spans over two floors with its own interior escalator.

A Singaporean Donki

Additionally, consumers here in Singapore are more foodies. We had seen the evolution of their supermarket chain over the years, where we see the shrinking of the non-food sectors here such as electronics and clothing. Also, notably, the food section grew larger in the food and condiments section, as well as the ready meals which are hot items.

Going on the food theme, there is a Japanese food court located on the upper floor of the market. It is a sector crafted out of the general store area with focus on a curated selection of Dons, Ramens and even a Bar by the name of Drunk Drunk Donki. Stores here of the trade includes Kohmen tonkotsu ramen, Ifuku Dons and E-Gaya.

Don Don Donki JEM Japanese food court located on the upper floor of the market — Japanese food court located on the upper floor of the market.

Speaking of booze. This Donki also stocks aged Suntory matt whiskey, with premium seletctiosn priced bottles starting from $1288. Regular bottles set you back in the sub $100 to $150 range. This is without a doubt pricier than purchasing it yourself in Japan, but includes the added convenience of obtaining it right here.

Drunk Durnk Donki

Got booze?

Pokemon

In contrast, in Japan, the Donkis are sprawling large hyper marts, with the food and supermarket section taking less than half the shop space. With the rest devoted to an extensive clothing, travel, automotive and electronics sections. You can check it out in my Don Quijote exploration in Japan here.

Toys and wellness sections

Don Don Donki JEM non-food section, starting with cosmetics, a sizable section here at JEM — The non-food section, starting with cosmetics, a sizable section here at JEM.

Interestingly, the toy section does retain the quirky cosplay costumes, albeit a much smaller curation than we first seen in Singapore’s first Donki at Orchard central during their opening months.

Tomica toys

Don pens!

Toys

In addition, in typical Donki fashion, the tiny toy section is lined with Donpen stuffed toys, a couple of plastic model kits and a Tomica toy car drawer. This, and the electronics section is tiny and unimaginative in comparison to their Japan stores.

“Adult” section

Cosplay items

Two floors!

Moreover, the JEM branch feature a small dedicated adult toys section under curtain covers. It always attracts giggles and chatter among patrons who chanced upon the intimate corner. I can guess Donki now is not so discreet to label the area as a “health and wellness section”.

Checkouts

Donki merc

Gachapon

All in all, there is no stopping the rapid expansion of Don Pen the penguin. When the Donki group mentioned of their planned rapid expansion since their first branch in Orchard Gateway nearly 2 years ago, the rest is pretty much history.

New Balance NB565 running shoe review

Sports Gear

Shaun

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Sunday, February 21, 2021

2

The New Balance NB565 is a pair of affordable running shoes exclusive to the Singapore Armed forces. It goes by the unique identifier of NB565. Notably, the NB565 pair was co-launched sometime back in 2017 about a year ago with the Adidas Duramo, which is meant for normal to high arch shoes. I didn’t grabbed a pair back then till now until my recent reservist cycle, and it’s a good time to take look at the running shoe which you could not actually buy in-stores.

Lets check out the budget-ty New Balance NB565 running show which you could not actually buy in-stores.

External impressions

The shoe is clad in grey mesh and matching grey coloured laces. Also, the entire sole assembly is a solid piece of foam running the entire length of the shoe. Hard wearing luminous yellow rubber soles are glued on the base of the foam assembly. This gives it a grey white yellow sandwich look. It of yellow ascents dotted the brand logo on the tongue.

The NB565 has hard wearing luminous yellow rubber soles are glued on the base of the foam assembly.

Also, the front of the shoe is made of lightweight breathable mesh material. Reflective sliver strips running along the shoe sides and rear. It does give the shoe a premium look and a far cry from the earlier generations of SAF New balance shoes. We had definitely came a long way.

The NB565 front mesh is breathable and does give the show a premium look — The front mesh is breathable and does give the show a premium look.

Having said that, the shoe is only obtainable via SAF e-mart or in-camps and not sold via regular retail channels. It is ridiculously well-priced at under $35 a pair, which could nearly be at cost considering shipping, logistics and destination costs.

Fit and comfort

The SAF NB565 new balance shoes are suited for flat to normal feet arches. On contrary,the Adidas Duramo, a sister pair launched at the same time too is suited more for normal to high arch feet. Also, the New Balance NB565 is best built for short runs. The shoes does look well-suited to offer good cushion by the sole thickness.

The NB565 does have a good fit and is a surprisingly quality product for its price.

On first impressions, the shoe does have a good amount of return and cushioning. Especially great on tarmac (road) and concrete surfaces. The toe box of the shoes is notably wide and fits wide feet. After all, it is meant to be a shoe used in a conscript army meant to equip the masses affordably.

Not good for speed and long distances

However, I found the high thicker mid-sole, though good for impact cushioning, does reduce the shoe horizontal stability. The shoe’s support is largely neutral, built more for a neutral heel-strike and not quite suited for more common under-pronaters, where you tend to land on the outer edges of your feet.

The thick soles of the New Balance NB565 has vertical compliance, the shoe lacks horizontal compliance, and tends to go all over the place — The thick soles of the NB565 has vertical compliance, the shoe lacks horizontal compliance, and tends to go all over the place.

While the shoe has reasonable vertical compliance, the shoe lacks horizontal compliance, and tends to go all over the place. This is more prevalent on quicker paces like when using the shoes for high intensity intervals. Also, the shoe is heavy, but still a better improvement over last generation SAF new balance shoes. The thicker sole does cause your feet to land in a more which is not recommended for over-pronators.

The shoe sole is best built for distances under 6km the most or your annual run of 2.4km IPPT run. In my runs, I do feel considerable red and soreness on my feet for runs beyond 10km. I could attribute this to the more inferior mid-sole foam for a mass-market and cheap shoe for the masses.

Also, the shoe is similarly made in Vietnam like most typical New Balance shoes. I did suffer a nasty sprain on my right leg on one of my circuit runs. The lack of compliance. Hence, given the risk of injury, it pays to watch your running pace on the N565. I would recommend to avoid the New Balance 565 if you do speed work to reduce your chances of injury.

Buy and throw away

If you need a simple and cheap pair of shoes to just hammer away on your long steady daily miles, the NB 565 might have a place in your running arsenal. Also, priced at $35 and payable with free SAF credits for in-service servicemen, it is even cheaper than most mainstream brands stock clearance prices.

Hence, it is a good alternate mid-distance running shoe, allowing you to conserve the lifespan of your better running shoes for competitions and races. But you do pay for you get, hence, do not expect to breeze through a marathon with his pair of shoes, or risk the chance of injury on quicker paces.

All in all, the New Balance NB 565 is a good well-made cheap pair of universal running and casual shoes made to fit all. But that is not without its limitations. It is not for those looking to milk performance out of their runs and not great for long distances exceeding 5km. But it is my go-to shoes if you need to crank in the miles on the cheap, just make sure to limit your pace and you be good.

New Balance NB565- Pros

Universal fit
Good for wide feet
Very very cheap

Cons

Limited cushioning over 5km
Not good for over-pronators
Not good for speed work

Tiong Bahru Yi Sheng Fried Hokkien Mee

Asian

Shaun

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Saturday, February 20, 2021

0

Lets check out the Tiong Bahru Yi Sheng Fried Hokkien Mee at ABC Brickworks Food Centre. Contrary to the name, the store is actually not located at Tiong Bahru, but rather along Jalan Bukit Merah near landmarks such as Alexandra village and Ikea Alexandra.

Tiong Bahru Yi Sheng Fried Hokkien Mee storefront.

Moreover, the stall at its heart is a Hokkien Mee and is the only item on their menu. To specialise in one dish really takes a hawker craft of its own. Commendably, the store was listed in the Singapore Michelin Bib Gourmand as a recognition for his hawker culinary. This added much to the store’s popularity and demand which is not always a good thing.

Your dish is available in 3 serving sizes starting from $4 for the smallest plate to $6 for the largest.

Notably, Yi Sheng had been around for almost 40 years. It is run by Mr Toh Seng Wang. He is a second generation hawker who took over from his father who was also in the hawker trade. The story is that his father used to sell the noodle dish from a pushcart in Tiong Bahru, though interestingly not at Tiong Bahru market, before hawker centers came around. They moved to this current spot in the food centre in the 80s.

his father used to sell the noodle dish from a pushcart in Tiong Bahru… before hawker centers came around. They moved to this current spot in the food centre in the 80s.

A Singaporean hawker staple

Additionally, the offerings at Yi Sheng Fried Hokkien Mee is a mixed bag. Your fried Hokkien Mee is cooked with the standard mix of thick bee hoon and yellow noodles. Furthermore, they are soaked in flavourful but thin gravy served with a sizeable amount of toppings including two large and really delightful prawns (which are pretty crunchy), and sotong (squid).

You standard Hokkien mee, after a near 1 hour wait. It is served with a generous serving of large prawns. — Your standard Hokkien mee, after a near 1 hour wait. It is tossed with yellow noodles and served with a generous serving of large prawns.

Your dish is available in 3 serving sizes starting from $4 for the smallest plate to $6 for the largest. In addition, your dish is served on Styrofoam plates when dining in and on brown wax paper (at an additional 50 cents for takeaway).

However, on my visit, I found the dish bit too dry for Hokkien Mee. They are traditionally cooked with much more gravy servings with clear starchy gravy. Also, and what about those little black bits on the noodles?

The dish is flavorful, but tad too dry to my liking. You could tell the woks are not cleaned properly between batches with it being laced with burnt carbon. — The dish is flavorful, but tad too dry to my liking. You could tell the woks are not cleaned properly between batches with it being laced with burnt carbon speks.

That’s not pepper on your noodles. Rather, they are bits of charred wok remnants mixed into your dish, it does give your dish tad a bit of a burnt aftertaste which might not be great for your throat. A carcinogenic potpourri you say? I guess the peak periods does take the time out of cleaning each wok to keep up with the demand of the queues.

Avoid peak dinner times

Which brings me to my next observation- the extremely long queue times. Food for 4-5 dishes are cooked at a go per wok, taking about 10- 15 minutes to prepare each wok. Hence, it is not uncommon for wait times to go over an hour. If you do not have the luxury of time to spare, hence, I would strongly recommend avoiding the store during peak dinner periods. The store is at its core a dinner place, but it opens as early at 3pm daily where I would recommend you to visit.

Also, don’t expect friendly service here. The auntie serving you at the store counter is not the friendliest you can encounter. No service with a smile here, just a rude arrogant demand for your order where you change is promptly shoved into your hands, as she takes the order of the next patron in line.

To put it in perspective, another Fried Hokkien Mee store within the hawker center was able to serve out similar offerings at the same value under a 10 minutes wait.

Tiong Bahru Yi Sheng Fried Hokkien Mee, just shortlist

All in all, I would recommend to just shortlist Tiong Bahru Yi Sheng Fried Hokkien Mee. There is nothing to scream home about the offerings as advertised. I found their dish over-hyped and nothing out of the ordinary. Neither would I recommend you to torment yourself queuing over an hour (minimum) for your meal

I can guess the Singapore Michelin Bib Gourmand is not wrong about Tiong Bahru Yi Sheng Fried Hokkien Mee offering an authentic hawker experience, which I can guess extends beyond culinary cuisine, complete with the full experience including the gripes of hawker culture.

Verdict:

~~Must Go!~~ | ~~Actually pretty Good~~ | ~~Worth Trying~~ | Shortlist Optionally | ~~Should Avoid~~

Tiong Bahru Yi Sheng Fried Hokkien Mee Locality Map

ABC Brickworks Food Centre,
6 Jalan Bukit Merah, #01-13,
Singapore 150006
Opening Hours: 3pm- 10:30pm
Closed on Wednesday

Handle Bar biker pub

Western

Shaun

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Friday, February 19, 2021

0

Handle Bar biker pub is a themed pub, bar and restaurant in a pretty cool biker setting at Gillman barracks just off Depot road. They serve a selection of western main courses on top of pub booze. Let’s check them out with a dine-in.

Notably, Handle bar used to operate here at lock road. They used to be at 1 lock road before momentarily moving to the Sembawang area just off Sembawang park, where they used to be sited quite remotely beside an aquatic Sembawang Water-Venture center along Jalan Mempurong, just past the Masjid Petempatan Melayu Sembawang along Jlm Inggu.

Handle bar is a biker pub in a shed, as seen at their old spot at Sembawang. Their new Gilman outlet is largely similar — Handle bar is a biker pub in a shed, as seen at their old spot at Sembawang. Their new Gillman outlet is largely similar.

Back then, getting to handle bar involves notably passing by Woodys Cafe, a cozy restaurant we visited previously in the neighbourhood. Today handle bar had moved back here to a more southern location at 10 lock road in Gillman barracks. Hence the name, Handle bar “Original”. This hipster and art gallery. It is situated by the Singapore southern ridges forest walk and Hort park.

A western menu

At its core handle bar is a drinks pub and bar. Hot meal options are rather limited. It is a typical run of the mill western grill which is more bar than restaurant. However, they do offer a commendable full-fledged dining menu comprising of steaks, ribs, pork chops and southern fried chicken. They are typically priced around the premium $30 to $45 price segment, which is tad on the upper end of the affordable segment.

Handle bar steaks and ribs have sizable portions, which justifies the sub $40 asking price for their more premium offerings.

Furthermore, more affordable options include their fish and chicken dishes, such as fish and chips ($16), their southern field chicken $22 and beer butt chicken $25. Also, their BBQ ribs sits in a middle price point at $28 to $34. Their ribs are nothing to scream home about. Their portions are tad smaller than Morgan fields, though similarly priced. All mains are served with potatoes sides and greens.

Their fish and chips are pretty good, served in the pretty dark outdoors.

Burger and pizzas

Moreover, their burgers are something worth mentioning. Their cheeseburgers starts at $12 for a single party and $18 for a double. Also, their ace burger ($16) is their trademarked Angus tenderloin beef burger and is quite a hearty meal as a double. There are also minor selections such as chicken, fish and hotdogs at $12 a pop. All are similarly served with a side of fries.

Your burgers are basic, and not quite the main selling points of Handle bar.

Drinks wise, you have options of regular house pours, craft beer by the bottles and cocktails and mixes. Additionally, the bar also serves a variety of bar food, these are typically of western. Also, topping up their menu choices are minor dishes such as Chilli bowls ($12) and Beef stews ($16).

Handle bar thin crust pizzas are great for sharing in groups.

Moreover, interestingly, there is a special mix item called the Motorised Marietta ($55) which used to be a special menu item which serves 4 where a staff member will come out to your table with a gasoline powered blender. Today it can be found as a “Vroom for more option“. The contraption is tad more like a modified leaf blower turn blender or sort, where they would mix your drink with. It is tad of a noisy spectacle.

Outdoor screening projection in their rather dark outdoor dining areas.

A biker theme

Furthermore, dining seating are mostly open air outdoor with slide in shelter tents on rollers. Notably the bar is popular with biker groups, with groups of bikes often seen gathering in groups in the lots near the bar.

The indoor pub is themed after a bike workshop with a pool table too. Though most patrons would prefer to dine outdoors.

Too bad the Gillman barracks establishment does not offer free parking like what they used to offer at Sembawang. Though their Gillman barracks outlet is more highly accessible, I found it loses it rustic feel and cosiness with the new location, besides being much smaller in size.

Still, the place is nicely decked out. Moreover, the indoor area is a tightly packed area with an extensive motorbike workshop theming. The place is decked with fancy wall murals with automotive references. Interestingly, even the toilets are well decorated and themed. You can tell that whoever running this place is truly a motorbike fan.

All in all, Handle bar is a pretty neat western grill and biker bar suited in the heart of town.

Verdict:

~~Must Go!~~ | ~~Actually pretty Good~~ | Worth Trying | ~~Shortlist Optionally~~ | ~~Should Avoid~~

Handle bar Locality Map

10 Lock Rd, Singapore 108938
Gillman barracks
Opening hours: 12:00 pm – 11:30pm
Closed on Mondays.

Happy Lunar Nui Year 2021!

Events

Shaun

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Sunday, February 7, 2021

2

It is time of the year to usher in the new lunar new year. Come Happy Lunar Nui Year 2021! 2020 was a year worth looking back in reflection to ponder for the next. Looking back, the year of the rat is one not many would like to remember by, especially with our way of life hit by the global COVID-19 pandemic.

A Pandemic Rat year in reflection

For many, 2020 its a change of working environment with working from home being the norm. As with every global pandemic, there are winners and losers. Business dealing with general goods, supermarkets and pharmaceuticals industries flourished, while air-travel and hospitality floundered, much to the loss of jobs and livelihood for many.

We do hope the pandemic will take a turn for the better this year, with several targeted government help aids to boost the economy and help the vulnerable. Also, global vaccination out in full force with most expected to be vaccinated by this year end.

Moreover, good things come to those who are kind and work for it. In Chinese folklore, unlike the Rat, the Ox is a hard-working and kind individual who strive to complete the Zodiac race on his own ability. Also, it was a race which the Jade Emperor started. As with the legend, the Ox finished the race second only after the Rat. But only as the rat jumped the start in front of the Ox who helped the Rat crossed the river beforehand. The emperor recognized the Ox kind heart and devotion, granting the Ox the runner up place on the Chinese animal Zodiac.

Happy Lunar Nui Year 2021

Hence in the spirit of the Ox, we do look forward to a better year in 2021 ahead and beyond. Happy 牛 Year!

Mr Avocado Alexandra Village

Asian

Shaun

-

Saturday, February 6, 2021

1

Mr Avocado Alexandra Village is a name synonymous with the super food drink. Let’s check out the hyped Avocado drinks store at the Alexandra Village Food Centre.

Alexandra Village is otherwise known at the “Avocado hawker center”. Surprisingly, there are several, roughly 3-4 different Avocado drink stores in the hawker center here. It gives you a sensing that they are setup probably to capitalise on the Avocado craze here. The Mr Avocado store here is the one we are checking out.

Additionally, the store is located at Alexandra village hawker center along Bukit Merah Lane 1 where several notable car workshops are located. Also, the boss of the store has been making the drink for 18 years.

Furthermore, the store at it’s heart is a fruit juice store with specialization in the Avocado offerings. You can’t miss it by the myriad of Avocado fruits laid out in front of the store on display, as well as the number of newspaper and review cut-outs implying the popularity of the store. If the queues snaking in front of the store is not evident.

Moreover, notably, the store also offers a variety of traditional fruit juice options. Though no one here seems to order other than multiple cups of the super food drink.

It is really pricey

However, at $4 a cup, you get a very watered down avocado drink. Also, despite the relatively large cup, half of the cup is filled with ice. It makes you wonder what are you actually getting for your money.

The Avocado drink is tad underwhelming and rather expensive too.

Also, I find it difficult to justify the price for the lack of quality. Especially for my $4 post-lunch hawker drink costing more than my $3.50 chicken rice lunch itself. It is just odd. The Avocado drink is just incredibly not value for money at all.

Despite this, what I found additionally puzzling are long queues of patrons effectively queuing effectively for overpriced water-down Avocado water. Possibly a crowd mentally.

In comparison, for $2.50 – $2.80 at Redhill market or Bukit Merah food center, you can get an ice-blended Avocado shake at a fraction of the price and tastes way better in terms of consistency, taste and thickness. Also, at least half of the cup is not taken up by ice.

All in all, it is difficult to give Alexandra Village Mr Avocado an outright recommendation, given its relatively high price for what you get and lack of quality to the competition.

Verdict:

~~Must Go!~~ | ~~Actually pretty Good~~ | ~~Worth Trying~~ | Shortlist Optionally | ~~Should Avoid~~
Alexandra Village Mr Avocado Locality Map

120 Bukit Merah Lane 1
Alexandra Village Food Centre,
Singapore 150120
Unit #01-19
Opening Hours: 11:00am- 07:00pm

Home Truly Growing Up at Singapore National Museum

Museums

Shaun

-

Saturday, January 30, 2021

2

Home Truly Growing Up at Singapore National Museum

Home Truly, Growing Up with Singapore, 1950s to the Present at the National Museum is an exhibition showcasing Singapore from its early days leading up to independence to today. It is a temporary exhibition running for a limited period from 19 Dec 2020- 29 Aug 2021.

Home Truly Growing Up galleries at the basement of the Singapore National Museum

The exhibition is done in collaboration with The Straits Times. It is as part of the local newspaper’s 175th anniversary. Also, the gallery is tucked in its own exhibition gallery located in the lower Basement Level.

Welcome!

Entrance

Pen registration

You might remember these galleries previously hosting Cai Guo Qiang’s Art showcase “Head On” many years back. The gallery is open from 10am- 7pm as per the museum regular opening hours.

A look back into time with historical recaps of significant Singapore events.

A smart exhibit

Moreover, in line with Covid-19 measures to reduce the interaction on common surfaces, you be presented with a pen upon entry. It has a capacitive stylus on its back to interact with touch screens. This is in addition to penning down your thoughts on various “thought sheets” in the exhibits.

Tapping

Covid thank you

Closing up

Also, an attached RFID keychain token on this pen allows you to interact with the various kiosks scattered around the exhibits as you go along. These usually involve taking a poll of your choices. You are able to review your responses to that of other patrons at the end of the exhibits.

Collections of history

Furthermore, the exhibition features mostly photographs, artefacts and commemorative items from significant milestones in Singapore’s history. These are contributed from personal collections by members of the public.

Home Truly Growing Up Bus tickets stamped by conductors and the first MRT ticket. — Bus tickets stamped by conductors and the first MRT ticket.

Examples includes classic public transport bus tickets and scenes of the day where Singapore’s first MRT line opened in the late 80s. Also, there is a section dedicated to Singapore national day parades since independence. This is in addition to Army National Service with a small collection of dating as far back at 1963.

Scenes from Singapore's past national days — Scenes from Singapore’s past national days.

Additionally, there is a focus on Community living. There is a recreation of a HDB void deck and a school tuckshop where you can sit down and pen down your thoughts on the section you are in. There are also scenes of Great world amusement center.

Army memorabilia

Heartlands

Living room

Heartland history

Welcome to the heartlands! Home Truly Growing Up — Welcome to the heartlands

In addition, there are also audio-visual footage, such as music and videos from old Singapore TV shows. Examples includes Growing up and Phua Chu Kang.

Growing up show

General ambience

Soccer fans in the 90s

Moreover, interestingly, there are no mentions to old classic shows such as Under one roof, and variety shows such as Gotcha and the Pyramid game. These were staples of Singapore evening primetime TV or the 90s. Also, interestingly, there is mention of the buzzing S-league scene of the 90s. Probably provided by a fan, remembering possibly the era of the peak of Singapore home-grown soccer.

Community play

Jukebox

Classic songs

Visual and smells?

There are also scent exhibits, this is brought to you by third party companies in partnership with the museum. Also, the scent rotates through the duration of the exhibition. Interestingly, there was a turmeric curry smell on my visit.

School life

Tuckshop

Singapore river

Also, the displays ends with a segment devoted to saying thanks to our front line medical staff during the COVID-19, as well as scenes of Singapore during the circuit breaker lockdown.

Closing galleries sights and sounds Home Truly Growing Up — Closing galleries sights and sounds

Lastly, a large seating area with a word cloud. It covers feedback and thoughts of visitors greets you at the end of the exhibition. You can get your thoughts onto the board through penning it down or through a microphone at the screen which recognizes your speech.

Browsing headlines

Closing tags

Void deck life

All in all, you are good for the exhibition for about an hour, and probably an hour and a half if you were to scrutinize every exhibits. Also, admission is to Home, Truly: Growing Up with Singapore, 1950s to the Present is free for Singaporeans and Permanent Residents. It is one worth visiting when you are around town.

The closing word cloud displaying a collection of visitor's thoughts — The closing word cloud displaying a collection of visitor’s thoughts.

Home, Truly: Growing Up with Singapore, 1950s to the Present

Exhibition date: 19 Dec 2020 – 29 Aug 2021
National Museum Exhibition Gallery, Basement Level
10am – 7pm
Free Admission

Wild Honey Orchard Mandarin Gallery

European

Shaun

-

Sunday, January 24, 2021

1

Let’s check out Wild Honey Orchard today with a brunch dine-in. They are situated on the third floor of the Orchard mandarin gallery along Orchard road. In a nutshell, Wild honey is a café first followed by a restaurant. They offer a small selections of main courses, such as burgers, salads, western mains and an extensive premium breakfast section.

The largely chill open atmosphere here at Wild honey on the third floor of Mandarin gallery orchard.

I visited the place during a weekday brunch period. There is a mix of small group tabled seating, as well as group dining on high chairs. They are physically located on the third floor of the Orchard Mandarin Gallery Singapore. There is also another branch at Scotts which I shall cover together here too.

The branch at Scotts with a similar ambience.

Moreover, wild honey has largely a chill open atmosphere. Of course this lifestyle is not necessarily cheap. So it appeals largely to a niche group which probably appeals to millennial more than say, their parents. Avocado sandwich anyone?

Yep, there are Avocado sandwich- millennial staples here at Wild Honey.

Premium brunches

Additionally, their main meal dishes typically revolves about names of cuisine interest. For instance, their “The Norwegian” dish is a Wild Honey signature dish worth recommendation. Thought priced at a hefty $28 per plate.

Wild Honey Orchard The Norwegian ($28) — The Norwegian ($28).

Also, the Norwegian comes with Avocado, grilled asparagus spears, poached eggs wrapped with Norwegian smoked salmon, Hollandise sauce and salmon pearls on whole wheat brioche.

Got Norwegian?

Mushroom sides

Delancey pastrami

Recommendations include the Delancey. It is essentially stuffed with hand-sliced beef pastrami, served with poached eggs, tomatoes & grain mustard Hollandaise on a sesame bagel.

Delancey ($28)- hand-sliced beef pastrami, served with poached eggs, tomatoes & grain mustard Hollandaise on a sesame bagel — Delancey ($28) at Scotts- hand-sliced beef pastrami, served with poached eggs, tomatoes & grain mustard Hollandaise on a sesame bagel.

The beef is thinly sliced and done medium. The eggs are tad a joy, well poached though it can get rather messy. Don’t let the small servings fool you, it can get rather filling. Also, it is touted to be the best pastrami by Cuisine and Wine 2018.

Wild Honey Orchard Tunisian — Tunisian ($24).

Moreover, interesting selections includes the Tunisian ($24) is another Wild Honey signature dish. It is served with Spicy shakshouka (onion, tomato, red pepper & chilli), chorizo, eggs, grilled lafa flatbread or brioche, herb & seed tabolueh.

You also get an all day breakfast selection, on top of more affordable Sandwiches, tarts and breads which you can grab for under $10 each. Coffee is available by the cup. Also, tea is served by the pot and is enough for 2 cups at least without refills. I would recommend their Deserts Apple Crumble. It is served with cream or ice-cream $12.

A chill establishment

Additionally, I found the menu options tad expensive and the ambience does bestow a sense of refinement and fineness expected of their diners. Somehow wild honey does position themselves as an upmarket hipster style. Also, the dining atmosphere is tad like Baker and Cook we visited previously, but with more emphasis on breakfast and brunch dishes. If you are looking for say, a proper hearty steak or grilled ribs. I suggest to look somewhere else

Moreover, the establishment is decked with an extensive wood theming. With a bar and kitchen by the entrance and seating areas at the far end of the establishment with views looking out to Orchard road. Being at Mandarin hotel, it is also situated where Triple three hotel buffet we visited previously. There is an assortment of comfy sofas for you to lounge on too.

But you do pay a premium

Wrapping up, still wild honey has a nice concept but their steep price point does make it loose. A typical dine-in here could cost you upwards of $30 per person per brunch meal. Probably something you might consider a treat once in a blue moon.

All in all, I find it hard to recommend wild honey as a place to visit often. But if you crave niche foods, it is a good place to visit mid-afternoons where crowds are thinner and more enjoyable experience. Wild honey is opened 9 to 9pm daily. With extended opening hours till 12am on Fridays and Saturdays.

Verdict:

~~Must Go!~~ | Actually pretty Good | ~~Worth Trying~~ | ~~Shortlist Optionally~~ | ~~Should Avoid~~
Wild Honey Orchard Mandarin Gallery Locality Map
Wild Honey Orchard Mandarin Gallery
333A Orchard Rd, # 03-01/02,
Singapore 238897
Opening hours: 9am–9pm

World Press Photo 2020 Exhibition

Events

Shaun

-

Saturday, January 23, 2021

0

Let’s check the World Press Photo 2020 Exhibition. For the Singapore league of it 2020 edition, the exhibition is held at the National museum of Singapore. In a nutshell, the event is a press photography contest and showcase.

Into its 63rd annual run. It saw contributions from 4282 photographers from 125 countries worldwide. Amazingly, more than 73,996 photographs reviewed as part of the selection process by an independent jury.

World Press Photo 2020 Exhibition at the National Museum of Singapore.

Also, the photo exhibition runs for a limited time frame from 16 Jan 2021 to 07 Feb 2021. You might remember it from our previous visits sometime back where the event used to run at Raffles Hotel. For the last 5 years at least, the event had been held at the Level 1 Concourse of the Singapore National museum run by the National heritage board.

Members of the public checking out stories which mattered, a recollection from the past year of press photos.

Moreover, the event it is split between two locations in the museum’s main lobby and the museum’s canyon basement at basement one. Both areas are wheelchair accessible. Entry to the photo exhibition is free.

National Museum basement canyon gallery World Press Photo 2020 Exhibition — National Museum basement canyon gallery, where the other half of the exhibition continues from the ground floor.

Showcasing the stories that matter

The World Press photos exhibition showcases stories that matter over the past year. Usually it revolves about topics and events of significant global impact and interest. Also, notable photos includes those of the Hong Kong Unrest by Nicolas Asfouri. There is also a photo journal on a story on the poverty among Algeria youths. These photos are laid on large A1 free-standing standees in the museum open atrium and lit by a mix of natural skylight and interior lighting.

Covid-19 life

Empty supermarket shelves

Hong kong

Additionally, the photos are not in its way as graphic as that of the previous year, but it is still one which could be distributing to some. Examples include emotional crash scenes from the Ethiopian Airlines Flight 302 Crash.

Interestingly, there are also notable photographs covering the American white house, such as those of Donald trump. There are however, just photographs of mentions of his undoing. It could imply the rift between the outgoing president and the press. Additional areas of interest this year includes current issues. There is an emphasis of COVID-19 events, as well as major unrest around the world, such as environment wildlife.

Photos on the wall

Fisherman life

Environment

Local Photography showcase

Additionally, in addition to the World Press photos exhibition is a local focus. Here, iconic Photos of the Straits Times (Singapore’s local English paper) are showcased too. Also, this follows the similar layout of the previous world press photo exhibition with the start of the exhibition flaunted by local community photographs brought to you by the Singapore Press Holdings.

Titled: Through the Lens, on display are mostly notable local COVID-19 scenes of everyday life. This is as seen in the papers as a recollection of the past year events. Also, the local exhibition also includes talks and discussions with local Straits time photo journalists on their take and memories of their work for the past year.

All in all, you be good for both the local and World press photos for an hour at at most an hour and half if you wish to check out all the photos and captions in the flesh. Do so before mid-February, as the exhibition only runs till then. The exhibition is open daily from 10am – 7pm, with last admission at 6.30pm.

Welcome to Shaunchng.comDocumenting the world, one post at a time

Welcome to Shaunchng.comDocumenting the world, one post at a time

Shaunchng.comDocumenting the world, one post at a time

Linksys MX4200 Mesh Router

2.4Gbps wireless with WIFI-6 Certified

Fast and gaming-optimised

Tri-band dynamic mesh backhaul

Pricing and availability

Bubble tea pearls pizza anyone?

Mala pizza

Mala everything

A global issue

GPU shortage in Singapore

Hitting the automotive industry hard

A Singaporean Donki

Toys and wellness sections

External impressions

Fit and comfort

Not good for speed and long distances

Buy and throw away

New Balance NB565- Pros

Cons

A Singaporean hawker staple

Avoid peak dinner times

Tiong Bahru Yi Sheng Fried Hokkien Mee, just shortlist

Verdict:

Tiong Bahru Yi Sheng Fried Hokkien Mee Locality Map

A western menu

Burger and pizzas

A biker theme

Verdict:

Handle bar Locality Map

A Pandemic Rat year in reflection

Happy Lunar Nui Year 2021

It is really pricey

Verdict:

A smart exhibit

Collections of history

Heartland history

Visual and smells?

Home, Truly: Growing Up with Singapore, 1950s to the Present

Premium brunches

A chill establishment

But you do pay a premium

Verdict:

Showcasing the stories that matter

Local Photography showcase

Singapore Places

Column